Many use a calculator to do math, but six-year-old Montrealer Bruce Arthur Chang from Westmount only uses his mind when solving math problems.
He was crowned the youngest mental math Grand Champion of Canada at this year’s UCMAS – the Universal Concept of Mental Arithmetic System National Competition, a program which helps children between the age of five and 13 years old develop cognitive skills, while using an abacus as a tool.
Bruce Arthur Chang (right), with his UCMAS teacher, Jeffery Jeyaratnam (left), at the 2024 Universal Concept of Mental Arithmetic System National Competition (Courtesy of Yasotha Sasitharan, Provincial Head Office Director, UCMAS Quebec).
“I like Math because I like solving equations really quickly,” said Bruce.
Chang is the youngest Grand Champion in all of Canada. He is in the U category, which is the category for the newest students. He won against all age groups, five to 13.
“For the competition, I did a lot of practice tests,” said Bruce.
Those competing had eight minutes to solve 150 questions using mental math or an abacus.
Chang learned how to use an abacus just four months ago and was the top scorer in his category for the Quebec Regionals, as well as the Canadian Nationals with over 5,000 competitors.
“It’s an ancient Chinese calculator to teach them how to do calculations, but most importantly do whole brain development,” Akash Sasitharan, manager and professor for UCMAS Québec. “Through the use of the abacus, children brains will develop more. Their memory, speed, accuracy, focus, concentration, all of those aspects of their life will improve.”
Chang and his father, Arthur, often practice his math skills together.
“We practice pretty much everyday, sometimes even twice or three times a day, and we would go through the practice tests together, and we would race each other,” said Chang.
Chang said he used this method as a way to make a game out of it, and make it more fun.
Arthur added that when Chang first started, he was only able to do 20 to 30 questions, and every week, he would be able to do more. Now, he can do all 150 questions in four to five minutes.
When they race, he is often done a minute before his father.
Next up for Chang, the entire family is going to India for the international competition.
“We are going to practice hard for that, and hope he does well,” said Chang.
Chang is also hoping for the best.
“I’m very proud for winning the competition,” said Chang. “I hope I win again.”